English 10 / Unit 3: Character Development and Archetypes
3.3 Motivation and Internal Conflict
Notes
Motivation is the reason behind a character's actions. Strong analysis explains why characters act.
- Motivations can be stated or implied: fear, love, guilt, pride, ambition, revenge.
- Internal conflict happens when a character's desires or values clash ("I want to tell the truth, but I fear losing my friend").
- Complex characters often have competing motivations.
- Characters' choices under pressure reveal who they truly are.
- Example: in Macbeth, Macbeth's ambition clashes with his loyalty and fear before he kills King Duncan.
Practice
Before murdering Duncan, Macbeth hesitates, aware Duncan is his king and his guest. This hesitation shows:
He is torn between desire for the crown and his duty.
A girl lies to protect her younger brother, even though she values honesty. The lie is best explained by:
She chooses between two values, revealing her priorities.
Which question best helps analyze a character's motivation?
Motivation analysis focuses on desires and obstacles.
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